The first-ever Power Hour for Jack and Jill with Today FM has raised €500,000 enough to fund 25,000 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for families across Ireland.
Built around one simple idea that €20 funds one hour of care, Power Hour invited everyone to embrace “One Hour. Your Way.” And Ireland answered the call! From school discos and bake sales to sporting challenges and workplace fundraisers, communities nationwide came together to make every hour count.
The campaign culminated on Friday, 25th September, with a fantastic day of fundraising across Today FM. Ian Dempsey took on a Hole-in-One Challenge, Dave Moore got schools dancing, Louise Cantillon tackled the Crossbar Challenge, Ray Foley hosted a Power Ballad Hour and Matt Cooper offered listeners the chance to win a training session with professional rugby player Jamison Gibson-Park.
Behind all the fun is something truly meaningful, giving the gift of time to families.
For Dublin mum Louise Garrahan, whose son James requires round-the-clock care, Jack and Jill’s nurses offer reassurance and a precious chance to recharge.
“An hour might seem small, but for a family caring around the clock, that time can make such a difference,” said Louise. “To know that people all over Ireland got behind Power Hour and have helped fund thousands more of those hours for families like ours is just incredible. Thank you.”
As Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill, said: “For three incredible weeks, it felt like one giant Jack and Jill community had come together across Ireland.”
Nathan Murphy, Today FM Managing Editor, added: “Raising €500,000 for The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is a remarkable result, and it belongs to our listeners, whose generosity never fails to amaze us.”
To everyone who donated, fundraised, volunteered or spread the word: thank you for making our first Power Hour so special.
€500,000 raised. 25,000 hours of care. One incredible community. That’s the Power of an Hour.
